World’s largest solar bridge now complete in London

The world’s largest solar bridge has finally been completed and is located at the London Blackfriars railway station.

Constructing the Blackfriars Bridge. (Image via Network Rail)

Back in 1886, the Blackfriars Bridge was built across the Thames, but recently needed a revamp. So, in a joint effort between solar company Solarcentury and England’s Network Rail company, the bridge was redesigned to include 4,400 photovoltaic panels. The panels cover the roof of the station, which is the first to span the Thames.

Aerial view of the Blackfriars Bridge. (Image via Network Rail)

The bridge represents London’s longest array of panels, providing up to 50% of the station’s energy and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 51 tons per year (according to Network Rail, that’s the equivalent of 89,000 average car journeys).

World's largest solar bridge. (Image via Network Rail)

The system, composed of many roofs and slopes that posed quite a challenge during construction, has a total size of 1.1 MWp and an annual energy generation of 900,000 KWh.

The bridge at night. (Image via Network Rail)

Fun fact

The 65,000 ft² of paneling on the bridge produces enough energy to make 80,000 cups of tea so, in order to kick off the grand opening, commuters received a free cup of tea at the station.

The bridge will act as a symbol of London’s mission to become a more sustainable city.